Packaging Laminate

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to a packaging laminate comprising: a first polymeric layer comprising a polypropylene copolymer; and a second polymeric layer comprising a high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin with a coextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) compatibilizer.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/299,235, filed on Feb. 24, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/322,886, filed on Apr. 15, 2016, applications which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to food packaging materials and more particularlyto a recyclable flexible packaging laminate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Coffee and other food products are packaged in bags formed from plasticwrap. Such plastic wrap must meet certain USDA and FDA standards. Inaddition, in order to protecting food products from contamination andextending the shelf life of the food products, the plastic wrap must bedurable, printable, and capable of running on packaging machines.Finally, the plastic wrap should be recyclable once it has beendiscarded.

Accordingly, a need exists for a plastic wrap material that meets allthe criteria outlined above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, disclosed herein are packaging laminates comprising afirst polymeric layer comprising a polypropylene copolymer; and a secondpolymeric layer comprising a low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE), and/or high density polyethylene (HDPE)resin with a coextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) compatibilizer.

Disclosed herein are packaging laminates of any proceeding aspect,further comprising a third polymeric layer positioned between the firstlayer and the second layer, wherein the third polymeric layer comprisesan HDPE resin.

In one aspect disclosed herein are packaging laminates comprising afirst polymeric layer comprising a high density polyethylene (HDPE)resin; and a second polymeric layer comprising a low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and/orhigh density polyethylene (HDPE) resin with a coextruded ethyl vinylalcohol (EVOH) film barrier.

Also disclosed are packing laminates of any proceeding aspect, furthercomprising a third layer positioned between the first layer and thesecond layer, wherein the third polymeric layer comprises an HDPE resin.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following moreparticular description of the invention and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a first embodiment of a packaginglaminate in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a second embodiment of a packaginglaminate in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a third embodiment of a packaginglaminate in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a fourth embodiment of a packaginglaminate in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a packaging laminate that meets the criteriafor a plastic wrap for food products. In one aspect, the packaginglaminate comprises two or more layers of a polyolefin film. It isunderstood and herein contemplated that the polymeric layers comprise,amongst other things one or more polymeric resins. Resins suitable forthe present invention are polyolefins which may include low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (HDPE), lowdensity polyethylene/high density polyethylene (LD/HDPE) mixes, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE), cross-linked polyethylene(XLPE), polypropylene (PP) polymers, metallocene catalyzed polyolefin(i.e. plastomer) resins. The resins of the present invention may eitherbe homopolymers, co-polymers and/or ter-polymers of any one or more ofthe above polymers. Examples of the latter are olefin-copolymers such aspolyethylene butylacrylate, polyethylene methacrylate,polypropylene-ethylene copolymers, and polyethylene vinyl acetate, andter polymers of polypropylene-ethylene co-polymer, LDPE, and HDPE.

Because the disclosed film comprises multiple polymeric layers, it isunderstood, that that the polymeric composition of each layer cancontribute to the physical attributes of the film given the intended useof the film. Accordingly, the composition of each layer of themultilayered polymeric film can be different or the same as any one ormore additional layers. In one aspect, each layer of the multilayeredpolymeric film can comprise different polyolefin resins. For example,one polymeric layer can comprise one or more polypropylene,polypropylene co-polymers, LDPE, HDPE, and/or LDPE/HDPE co-polymerresins and the second polymeric layer can comprise one or more HDPE,LLDPE, LDPE and/or LD/HDPE copolymer resins. Accordingly, in one aspect,disclosed herein are packaging laminates comprising a first polymericlayer comprising a polypropylene copolymer (such as, for example apolypropylene-ethylene or polypropylene-ethylene and LDPE, HDPE and/orLD/HDPE co-polymers); and a second polymeric layer comprising a highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), orlow density (LDPE), and/or LD/HDPE co-polymer resin. Also disclosed arepackaging laminates comprising a first polymeric layer comprising a highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) resin; and a second polymeric layercomprising a a high density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), or low density (LDPE), and/or LD/HDPE co-polymerresin. The resins employed in the disclosed packaging laminates can bevirgin resins or from reclaimed or recycled sources.

It is understood and herein contemplated that there can be more than onecomponent or polymer in the first and second polymeric layers. In oneaspect, the polymer comprising the greatest percentage weight of thepolymeric layer (i.e., the primary polymer) can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 16.8, 17, 20, 25, 30, 33, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,58.3, 60, 65, 66, 66.6, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,98, 99, or 100 percentage weight (or any amount in between) of the firstand/or second polymeric layer. For example, disclosed herein arepackaging laminates wherein the first polymeric layer comprises apolypropylene co-polymer (for example, a polypropylene-ethyleneco-polymer), wherein the polypropylene copolymer comprises between 35%and 55% weight, more preferably between 40% and 50% weight, and morepreferably 45% weight of the first polymeric layer. In anotherembodiment, for example, the first polymeric layer comprises HDPE,wherein the HDPE comprises between 40% and 100% weight (i.e., 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,or 100% weight), more preferably between 60% and 100% weight, mostpreferably between 75% and 100% weight of the first polymeric layerInone aspect, the HDPE can be 80% weight of the first polymeric layer (forexample a first polymeric layer comprising 80% weight HDPE and 20%weight Octene). Also, by way of example, disclosed herein are packaginglaminates wherein the second polymeric layer comprises HDPE at 66.6%weight of the second polymeric layer. In a further embodiment, disclosedherein are packaging laminates wherein the second polymeric layercomprises HDPE at 58.3% weight of the second polymeric layer. Thus, forexample disclosed herein are packaging laminates comprising apolypropylene co-polymer first polymeric layer and a second polymericlayer comprising HDPE at between 50 and 70% weight (such as, for example58.3% or 66.6%) of the second polymeric layer. Also, disclosed hereinare, for example, packaging laminates comprising a HDPE first polymericlayer and a second polymeric layer comprising HDPE at between 50 and 70%weight (such as, for example 58.3% or 66.6%) of the second polymericlayer.

As noted above, the disclosed polymeric layers can comprise additionalsecondary components including polymers in addition to the primarypolymer, including, but not limited to additionally one or more ofOctene, LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, LD/HDPE polymers, catalysts (for example,metallocene), antiblock components, plastomers, ionomers (such as, forexample SURLYN®), tie, slip components, ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH), andEVOH compatibilizers (such as, for example Dow RETAIN® EVOHCompatibilizer). Accordingly, in one aspect, disclosed herein arepackaging laminates wherein the first polymeric layer further comprisesa LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, and/or LD/HDPE co-polymer resin. It is understoodand herein contemplated that the secondary components can eachindividually comprise any percentage weight less than the primarypolymer including, but not limited to 0.2, 0.22, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.55,0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2,3, 4, 5, 5.9, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.23, 11, 11.8, 12, 12.2, 13, 14,15, 16, 16.8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 30.2, 33, 35, 40, 45 percentweight. In one aspect, the first polymeric layer can comprise HDPE resinof 16.8 percent weight and LDPE resin of 6 percent weight of the totalweight of the first polymeric layer (for example, a first polymericlayer comprising a polypropylene co-polymer (such as 45% polypropyleneco-polymer) and 16.8% weight HDPE and 6% weight LDPE). In anotherembodiment, the first polymeric layer can comprise 80% weight HDPE and20% weight Octene. Also contemplated herein are polymeric layerscomprising between 8% and 20% weight, more preferably between 10% and14% weight, most preferably between 12% and 13% plastmoner (for examplea polymeric layer (such as a second polymeric layer comprising 12.2%weight plastomer). Also contemplated herein are polymeric layerscomprising between 8% and 20% weight, more preferably between 10% and14% weight, most preferably between 10% and 12% ionomer such as SURLYN®(for example a polymeric layer (such as a second polymeric layercomprising 10.23% weight ionomer).

As previously noted, the polymeric layers can comprise additives such asantioxidants (for example, hindered phenols such as, for example,IRGANOX® 1010), phosphites (for example, IRGAFOS® 168)), U. V.stabilizers, cling additives (for example, polyisobutylene), antiblockadditives, slip agents, colorants, pigments, fillers, fire retardants,light and heat stabilizers, and extension oils can also be included inthe compositions of the present invention, to the extent that they donot interfere with the enhanced properties discovered by applicants.In-process additives, for example, calcium stearate, water, andfluoropolymers may also be used for purposes such as for thedeactivation of residual catalyst or for further improvedprocessability.

Optionally, compatibilizers such as a low molecular weight plastomer mayalso be used in the composition of the present invention. Acompatibilizer typically contains a functional group which is compatiblewith the primary polymer of the second polymeric layer such as, forexample, HDPE. Compatibilizers are well-known in the art and one skilledin the art would easily be able to recognize the type of compatibilizersuitable for the desired compositions, if needed. For example, a blendof a hydrogenated rigid block copolymer with a styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymer or other styrenic polymer may additionally comprise astyrene-ethylenebutene-styrene block copolymer as a compatibilizer.Additionally, a blend of a hydrogenated rigid block copolymer with apolycarbonate may additionally comprise a polyamide-maleic anhydridegrafted polyethylene as a compatibilizer. In one aspect, thecompatibilizer can be an ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) compatibilizer, suchas, for example Dow RETAIN® EVOH Compatibilizer. Thus, in one aspect,disclosed herein are packaging laminates comprising a first polymericlayer comprising a polypropylene copolymer; and a second polymeric layercomprising a Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), and/or high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin witha coextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) compatibilizer. It iscontemplated herein that the compatibilizer can comprise between 2 and15 percentage weight of the polymeric later (for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 percent weight), more preferablybetween 5 and 10 percent weight. Accordingly, disclosed herein arepackaging laminates wherein the second polymeric layer comprises acompatibilizer (such as, for example, Dow RETAIN® EVOH compatibilizer),and wherein the compatibilizer comprises at least about 5% weight of thesecond polymeric layer.

In one aspect, the compatibilizer is loaded with in a 1:1 ration with abarrier such as, for example, an EVOH barrier. In one aspect, disclosedherein are packaging laminates comprising packaging laminates comprisinga first polymeric layer comprising a polypropylene copolymer; and asecond polymeric layer comprising a Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE),Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and/or high densitypolyethylene (HDPE) resin resin with a coextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol(EVOH) compatibilizer and an EVOH barrier. Also disclosed herein arepackaging laminates comprising a first polymeric layer comprising a highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) film; and a second polymeric layercomprising Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), and/or high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin (forexample, a low density/high density polyethylene (LD/HDPE) film) with acoextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film barrier. Accordingly,disclosed herein are packaging laminates comprising between 2 and 15percentage weight of the polymeric later (for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 percent weight), more preferably between5 and 10 percent weight. For example, in one aspect, the packaginglaminates can comprise a compatibilizer (such as, for example, DowRETAIN® EVOH Compatibilizer) and a barrier (for example, an EVOHbarrier) wherein the compatibilizer and the barrier are each 5% totalweight of the second polymeric layer.

In one aspect, the disclosed polymeric layers of the packaging laminatescan comprise a catalyst (such as, for example Metallocene). Typically,copolymers are hydrogenated to remove sites of unsaturation. Any methodof hydrogenation can be used and such methods typically include the useof metal catalysts supported on an inorganic substrate, such as Pd onBaSO4 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,744) and Ni on kieselguhr (U.S. Pat. No.3,333,024). Additionally, soluble, homogeneous catalysts such assingle-site catalyst systems known in the art such Ziegler vanadium,hafnium and zirconium catalyst systems and metallocene catalyst systemsfor example, a constrained geometry catalyst systems or those preparedfrom combinations of transition metal salts of 2-ethylhexanoic acid andalkyl lithiums can be used. The copolymer hydrogenation can also beachieved using hydrogen and a heterogeneous catalyst such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,744, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,422 and U.S.Pat. No. 5,645,253. The catalysts described therein are heterogeneouscatalysts consisting of a metal crystallite supported on a porous silicasubstrate.

Alternatively, the hydrogenation can be conducted in the presence of amixed hydrogenation catalyst characterized in that it comprises amixture of at least two components. The first component comprises anymetal which will increase the rate of hydrogenation and includes nickel,cobalt, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, other Group VIIImetals, or combinations thereof. The second component used in the mixedhydrogenation catalyst comprises a promoter which inhibits deactivationof the Group VIII metal(s) upon exposure to polar materials, and isherein referred to as the deactivation resistant component. Suchcomponents preferably comprise rhenium, molybdenum, tungsten, tantalumor niobium or mixtures thereof.

The amount of catalyst (such as, for example, Metallocene) can bebetween 0.2 and 40 percent weight of the polymeric layer of thepackaging laminate, preferably between 5 and 33 percent weight. Forexample, the catalyst (such as, for example, Metallocene) can comprise0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.9, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 11.8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30.2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40percent weight of a polymeric layer. It is understood and hereincontemplated that the percent weight of catalyst for each polymericlayer is independent of the other layer(s). For example, the catalyst(such as, for example Metallocene) can comprise 30.2 percent weight ofthe first polymeric layer and 5.9 percent weight of the second polymericlayer.

In one particular embodiment, the packaging laminate can comprise afirst polymeric layer comprising a polypropylene co-polymer and a secondpolymeric layer comprising an HDPE, LDPE, and/or LLDPE resin co-extrudedwith an EVOH barrier and an EVOH compatibilizer (such as Dow RETAIN®EVOH compatibilizer) as set forth in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Resin % Total in DNSPRET-DNP963-T4 Copolymer Polypropylene 45(3.8% Ethylene) Metallocene 30.2 High Density Polyethylene 16.8 LowDensity Polyethylene 6 Slip 1.2 Antiblock 0.8 % Total in EVOH-ION-DOWHigh Density Polyethylene 58.3 Plastomer 122 Tie 6.5 Metallocene 11.8EVOH 5 Dow RETAIN ® EVOH 5 Compatibilizer Antiblock 0.4 Slip 0.8

It is understood and herein contemplated that adjusting the percentageweight of individual components or changing components (such asexchanging a plastomer for an ionomer) of either or both polymericlayers of the packaging laminate can change the packagingcharacteristics such as, for example, allowing for the ability to createa seam in a packaging container made of the packaging laminate at lowheat or can be separated without tearing the polymeric layer.Additionally, such changes can change production speed, reduce pressureneeded for recycling, reduce leaks, or increase puncture resistance. Forexample the use of an ionomer such as SURLYN® in the second polyemericlayer to allow for separation of a seam without tearing the packaginglaminate. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the packaging laminate cancomprise a first polymeric layer comprising a polypropylene co-polymerand a second polymeric layer comprising an HDPE, LDPE, and/or LLDPEresin co-extruded with an EVOH barrier and an EVOH compatibilizer (suchas Dow RETAIN® EVOH compatibilizer) as set forth in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Resin % Total in DNSPRET-DNP963-T4 Copolymer Polypropylene 45(3.8% Ethylene) Metallocene 30.2 High Density Polyethylene 16.8 LowDensity Polyethylene 6 Slip 1.2 Antiblock 0.8 % Total in EVOH-ION-DOWHigh Density Polyethylene 66.6 SURLYN ® 10.23 Tie 6.5 Metallocene 5.9EVOH 5 Dow RETAIN ® EVOH 5 Compatibilizer Antiblock 0.55 Slip 0.22

It is understood and herein contemplated that there are structural andfunctional benefits to the orientation of the polymeric layers in thepackaging laminate. For example, in one aspect, disclosed herein arepackaging laminates comprises a first polymeric layer and a secondpolymeric layer, wherein the first polymeric layer is oriented to be onthe outside layer of the packaging laminate. For example, packaginglaminates comprising a first polymeric layer comprising a polypropyleneco-polymer (such as a polypropylene and 3.5% ethylene co-polymer) and asecond polymeric layer comprising HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, and/or and LD/HDPEco-polymer; a first polymeric layer comprising a polypropyleneco-polymer (such as a polypropylene and 3.5% ethylene co-polymer) aswell as LDPE and/or HDPE and a second polymeric layer comprising HDPE,LLDPE, LDPE, and/or and LD/HDPE co-polymer; a first polymeric layercomprising a HDPE or HDPE and Octene and a second polymeric layercomprising HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, and/or and LD/HDPE co-polymer; wherein thefirst polymeric layer is on the outside of the packaging laminate. Inanother aspect, disclosed herein are packaging laminates wherein thefirst polymeric layer is oriented to be on the inside layer of thepackaging laminate.

While in its simplest form the multilayered polymeric films disclosedherein comprises two layers. However, it is fully contemplated hereinthat the multilayered polymeric film can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 29, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or50 or more additional polymer layers. Thus, in one aspect, disclosedherein are multilayered polymeric films comprising 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, or 10 or more layers. For example, disclosed herein are multilayeredpolymeric films further comprising a third polymeric layer adjacent tothe second layer and on the opposite side from the first layer. In oneaspect, disclosed herein are packaging laminates, further comprising athird polymeric layer positioned between the first layer and the secondlayer, wherein the third polymeric layer comprises an HDPE, LDPE, and/orLLDPE resin. For example, disclosed herein are packaging laminatescomprising a first polymeric layer comprising a polypropylene copolymer;and a second polymeric layer comprising a high density polyethylene(HDPE) resin (including, but not limited to an HDPE resin with acoextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) compatibilizer and/or an EVOHbarrier), further comprising a third polymeric layer positions betweenthe first and second polymeric layer, wherein the third polymeric layercomprises HDPE, LDPE, and/or LLDPE. Additionally, disclosed herein arepackaging laminates comprising a first polymeric layer comprising a highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) resin and a second polymeric layercomprising a low density/high density polyethylene (LD/HDPE) resin(including a LD/HDPE resin that is coextruded ethyl vinyl alcoholcompatibilizer (such as, for example Dow RETAIN® EVOH compatibilizerand/or an EVOH film barrier) further comprising a third polymeric layerpositions between the first and second polymeric layer, wherein thethird polymeric layer comprises HDPE, LDPE, and/or LLDPE.

It is understood and herein contemplated that the individual polymericlayers can comprise the same or different portion of the multilayeredpolymeric film and that the ratio of individual layers can be modifiedto achieve different visual effects. For example each layer of a twolayered film can comprise 50% of the film. Alternatively, one polymericlayer of a two layered polymeric film can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 33.33, 34, 35, 35.065, 36, 37, 38, 39,40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57,58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 64.935, 65, 66, 66.66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71,72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 percent of the multilayeredfilm while the remaining layer comprises the remaining percentage of themultilayered film. For example, disclosed herein are packaging laminateswherein the first polymeric layer comprises about 35% of the thicknessof the laminate (for example, a packaging laminate with a 1.35 MIL firstpolymeric layer and a 2.5 MIL second polymeric layer). In anotheraspect, the thickness polymeric layer of the packaging laminate cancomprise about 20% of the thickness of the packaging laminate (forexample a packaging laminate with a 0.8 MIL first layer and a 4.0 MILsecond layer).

Similarly, in a three layered film each layer can comprise the sameportion (i.e., a ⅓ portion) of the film structure, have two layerscomprising the same portion of the film structure and the third layerbeing a different portion, or be independently proportioned. Forexample, it is disclosed herein that the first (i.e., the outer) layerand the third layer (middle layer) can each comprise 20% of themultilayered film (a total of 40%) while the second (outside layer)comprises the remaining 60% of the film. That is, any combination oflayer ratios can exist in the multilayered film, including, but notlimited to, an outer:middle:inner percentage of 5:90:5; 10:80:10;15:70:15; 20:60:20; 25:50:25; 30:40:30; 35:30:35; 40:20:40; 45:10:45;5:5:90; 10:10:80; 15:15:70; 20:20:60; 25:25:50; 30:30:40; 35:35:30;40:40:20; 45:45:10; 90:5:5; 80:10:10; 70:15:15; 60:20:20; 50:25:25;40:30:30; 30:35:35; 20:40:40; 10:45:45; 5:10:85; 10:15:75; 15:20:65;20:25:55; 25:30:45; 10:5:85; 15:10:75; 20:15:65; 25:20:55; 30:25:45;85:10:5; 75:15:10; 65:20:15; 55:25:20; 45:30:25; 85:5:10; 75:10:15;65:15:20; 55:20:25; 45:25:30; 5:85:10; 10:75:15; 15:65:20; 20:55:25;25:45:30; 10:85:5; 15:75:10; 20:65:15; 25:55:20; or 30:45:25 or anyother combination (such as, for example, 42.1:31.6: 26.3).

Typically the thickness of each polymeric layer of the packaginglaminate is referenced in terms of MILs or gauge (GA, wherein 10 GA=0.1MIL). In one aspect, the thickness of each polymeric layer canindependently be from about 0.4 to 6.0 MILs. That is each polymericlayer can be 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3,1.35, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0,4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4,5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, or 6.0 MIL. For example, the first polymericlayer can be between 0.4 and 2.5 MILs (for example 0.8 MIL or 1.35 MIL)and the second polymeric layer can be between 1.25 and 6.0 MILs (forexample 2.5 MIL or 4.0 MIL). In one aspect the first polymeric layer canbe 1.35 MIL and the second polymeric layer can be 2.5 MIL. In anotheraspect the first polymeric layer can be 0.8 MIL and the second polymericlayer can be 4.0 MIL. In aspect comprising a further third polymericlayer (i.e., a middle layer) the thickness of the third polymeric layercan be, for example, between 0.8 and 4.5 MILs. Accordingly, alsodisclosed herein a trilaminate packaging laminates wherein the firstpolymeric layer is 1.25 MIL, the second polymeric layer is 2.0 MIL andthe third (i.e., the middle) polymeric layer is 1.5 MIL.

The packaging laminates disclosed herein are in one aspect, intended foruse in packaging containers for perishable produces such as, forexample, coffee beans or ground coffee. In one aspect, it iscontemplated herein are packaging containers comprising the packaginglaminates disclosed herein further comprising a valve for dispensing aproduct into and/or out of the packaging container. In one aspect thevalve can be configured to allow for degassing (such as, for examplecomprising a degassing filter).

To address the additional stress that could be placed on the valve, itis understood and herein contemplated that the thickness of thepolymeric layers of the valve can be greater than the thickness of thepolymeric layers of the packaging laminate.

In one aspect, the packaging laminate of the present invention can berecyclable to the same extent that #2 HDPE film or #4 linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE) film is recyclable.

The packaging laminate of the present invention can be filled and sealedby conventional vertical and/or horizontal automated bagging machines.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a packaging laminate 10 inaccordance with the present invention. The packaging laminate 10 has twolayers including an outside layer 12 and an inside layer 14. When thepackaging laminate is used to form a food package for holding foodproducts, the inside layer 14 is positioned next to the food product,and the outside layer 12 is the outside of the food package.

The outside layer 12 of the packaging laminate 10 is a PP copolymer filmhaving a thickness in the range 0.4 mil-2.5 mils. The inside layer 14 ofthe packaging laminate 10 is a high density polyethylene (HDPE) filmwith a coextruded EVOH film barrier and EVOH compatibilizer (such as DowRETAIN® EVOH compatibilizer). The inside layer 14 has a thickness in therange 1.25 mils-6.0 mils. One particularly advantageous embodiment ofthe packaging laminate 10, shown in FIG. 1, has an outside layerthickness of 1.35 mils and an inside layer thickness of 2.5 mils.

The properties of the packaging laminate 10, shown in FIG. 1, are setforth in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Description Units Results Method Tensile at Break TD Grams 2500ASTM D882 Tensile at Break MD Grams 4500 ASTM 0882 Elongation at Break-% 720 ASTM TD 0882 Elongation at Break- % 740 ASTM MD 0882 ElmendorfTear (TD) Grams 700 ASTM 0882 Elmendorf Tear (MD) Grams 200 ASTM 0882Oxygen Transmission cc/100 in2/day 0.23 ASTM 03985

With respect to the terms used in Table 3 above and Tables 4 and 5below:

-   -   a. “Tensile at Break TD” specifies the force applied in grams in        order to break the packaging laminate in its machine direction        (MD).    -   b. “Tensile at Break MD” specifies the force applied in grams in        order to break the packaging laminate in its transverse        direction (TD).    -   c. “Elongation at Break TD” specifies the percentage of        elongation of the packaging laminate at break in its TD.    -   d. “Elongation at Break MD” specifies the percentage of        elongation of the packaging laminate at break in its MD.        -   i. “Oxygen Transmission” specifies the amount of oxygen in            cubic centimeters transferred through a 100 in.² area of the            packaging laminate in a 24-hour period.        -   ii. “Water Vapor Transmission” specifies the amount of water            vapor in grams transferred through a 100 in.² area of the            packaging laminate in a 24-hour period.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a packaging laminate 110 inaccordance with the present invention. The packaging laminate 110 hasthree layers including an outside layer 112 which is a PP copolymerfilm, an inside layer 114 which is an HDPE with a coextruded EVOH filmbarrier and EVOH compatibilizer (such as Dow RETAIN® EVOHcompatibilizer), and a middle layer 116 which comprises HDPE. When thepackaging laminate 110 is used to form a food package for holding foodproducts, the inside layer 114 is positioned next to the food product,and the outside layer 112 is the outside of the food package.

The outside layer 112 of the packaging laminate 110 having a thicknessin the range 0.4 mil-2.5 mils. The inside layer 114 has a thickness inthe range 1.25 mils-6.0 mils. The middle layer 116 of the packaginglaminate 110 is having a thickness in the range 0.8 mil-4.5 mils.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a packaging laminate 210 inaccordance with the present invention. The packaging laminate 210 hastwo layers including an outside layer 212 comprising HDPE or HDPE andOctene (for example, 80% weight HDPE and 20% weight Octene) and aninside layer 214 comprising HDPE with a coextruded EVOH film barrier andEVOH compatibilizer (such as Dow RETAIN® EVOH compatibilizer). When thepackaging laminate 310 is used to form a food package for holding foodproducts, the inside layer 214 is positioned next to the food product,and the outside layer 212 is the outside of the food package.

The outside layer 212 of the packaging laminate 210 is a HDPE or HDPEand Octne film having a thickness in the range 0.4 mil-2.5 mils. Theinside layer 214 of the packaging laminate 210 is a LD/HDPE film with acoextruded EVOH film barrier. The inside layer 114 has a thickness inthe range 1.25 mils-6.0 mils. One particularly advantageous embodiment,shown in FIG. 3, has an outside layer thickness of 0.80 mils and aninside layer thickness of 4.0 mils.

The properties of the packaging laminate 210, shown in FIG. 3, are setforth in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Description Units Results Method C.O.F. Outside kinetic 0.25ASTM D1894 C.O.F. Inside (Seal Side) Kinetic 0.15 ASTM D1894 Tensile atBreak TD Grams 3500 ASTM D882 Tensile at Break MD Grams 3200 ASTM 0882Elongation at Break-TD % 400 ASTM 0882 Elongation at Break-MD % 350 ASTM0882 Oxygen Transmission cc/100 in2/day 0.1 ASTM 03985 Water VaporTransmission gm/100 in2/day 0.1 ASTM F1249

In Table 4 above:

-   -   e. “C.O.F. Outside” means the coefficient of friction for the        outside surface of the outside layer 212 of the laminate 210.    -   f. “C.O.F. Inside (Seal Side)” means the coefficient of friction        for the inside surface of the inside layer 214 of the laminate        210.

The outside layer 312 of the packaging laminate 310 is a PE film havinga thickness in the range 0.4 mil-2.5 mils. The inside layer 314 of thepackaging laminate 310 is a low density/high density polyethylene(LD/HDPE) film with a coextruded EVOH film barrier. The inside layer 314has a thickness in the range 1.25 mils-6.0 mils. The middle layer 16 ofthe packaging laminate 310 is a HDPE film having a thickness in therange 0.8 mil-4.5 mils. One particularly advantageous embodiment of thepackaging laminate 10, shown in FIG. 1, has an outside layer thicknessof 1.25 mils, an inside layer thickness of 2.0 mils, and a middle layerthickness of 1.5 mils. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness ofthe inside, outside, and middle layers, can be 0.8 mils (i.e., 80 GA),2.0 mils, and 1.5 mils, respectively.

The properties of the packaging laminate 310, shown in FIG. 4, are setforth in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Description Units Results Method Tensile at Break TD Grams 4800ASTM D882 Tensile at Break MD Grams 4500 ASTM 0882 Elongation at Break-% 750 ASTM TD 0882 Elongation at Break- % 700 ASTM MD 0882 OxygenTransmission cc/100 in2/day 0.24 ASTM 03985 Water Vapor gm/100 in2/day 8ASTM Transmission F1249

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its practical application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forthis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the teachings above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging laminate comprising: a. a firstpolymeric layer comprising a polypropylene copolymer; and b. a secondpolymeric layer comprising a high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin witha coextruded ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) compatibilizer.
 2. The packaginglaminate of claim 1, wherein the polypropylene copolymer comprises 45%weight of the first polymeric layer.
 3. The packaging laminate of claim1, wherein the first polymeric layer further comprises a low densitypolyethylene (LDPE) and HDPE resin.
 4. The packaging laminate of claim1, wherein the HDPE resin comprises from 55% to 70% weight of the secondpolymeric layer and the EVOH compatibilizer comprises at least about 5%weight of the second polymeric layer.
 5. The packaging laminate of claim1, wherein the second polymeric layer comprises an ionomer and whereinthe ionomer comprises about 10 to 12% weight of the second polymericlayer.
 6. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein the secondpolymeric layer comprises an plastomer and wherein the plastomercomprises about 10 to 14% weight of the second polymeric layer.
 7. Thepackaging laminate of claim 1, wherein the first polymeric layer isoriented to be on the outside layer of the packaging laminate.
 8. Thepackaging laminate of claim 1, wherein the first polymeric layer isoriented to be on the inside layer of the packaging laminate.
 9. Thepackaging laminate of claim 1, wherein the first polymeric layercomprises about 35% of the thickness of the laminate.
 10. The packinglaminate of claim 1, further comprising a third polymeric layerpositioned between the first layer and the second layer, wherein thethird polymeric layer comprises an HDPE resin.
 11. A packaging laminatecomprising: a. a first polymeric layer comprising a high densitypolyethylene (HDPE) resin; and b. a second polymeric layer comprising alow density/high density polyethylene (LD/HDPE) resin with a coextrudedethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film barrier.
 12. The packaging laminate ofclaim 11, wherein the HDPE comprises 80% weight of the first polymericlayer.
 13. The packaging laminate of claim 11, wherein the firstpolymeric layer further comprises octene.
 14. The packaging laminate ofclaim 11, wherein the HDPE resin comprises from 55% to 70% weight of thesecond polymeric layer and the EVOH compatibilizer comprises at leastabout 5% weight of the second polymeric layer.
 15. The packaginglaminate of claim 11, wherein the second polymeric layer comprises anionomer and wherein the ionomer comprises about 10 to 12% weight of thesecond polymeric layer.
 16. The packaging laminate of claim 11, whereinthe second polymeric layer comprises an plastomer and wherein theplastomer comprises about 10 to 14% weight of the second polymericlayer.
 17. The packaging laminate of claim 11, wherein the firstpolymeric layer is oriented to be on the outside layer of the packaginglaminate.
 18. The packing laminate of claim 11, further comprising athird layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer,wherein the third polymeric layer comprises an HDPE resin.